Better safe than sorry

Cell phone use while driving

Demerit points on a PEVL file and accidents due to cell phone use while driving are frequent. Therefore, it is important to raise drivers’ awareness on this subject and have a written policy forbidding any driver to use any handheld device with a telephone function while driving. It is preferable for the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe location to use this type of device, instead of using a hands-free system or Bluetooth so as to not distract the driver while driving.

Keeping a satisfying safety rating is essential to a transport business. Avoided fines improve the profitability of the business. Therefore, it is important to check the safety file of the company regularly (PEVL and/or SMS-FMCSA) in order to take action rapidly with a driver guilty of an offence. It is better to give a written disciplinary notice to drivers over of an oral one, to show that a check is performed and to avoid future problems.

Did you know?

Since December 2015, you must use your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to access your company’s performance related to compliance and safety in the US via the SMS (Safety Measurement System) on the FMCSA website. This information is no longer available for public display. If you do not already have your PIN, you can request one from USDOT by clicking here.

Did you know?

If you are an employer subject to DOT legislation, your supervisors are required to receive training on symptoms of alcohol abuse and symptoms of controlled substances use. 49 CFR 382.603 of FMCSA is the applicable regulation requiring them to receive at least 60 minutes of training on the symptoms of alcohol abuse and another 60 minutes of training on the symptoms of controlled substances use.